It's Schilling vs. Lowe in the All-Star game

MILWAUKEE -- Curt Schilling of Arizona gets another chance to start for the National League in the All-Star game, this time against Boston's Derek Lowe.

Schilling, whose 14 wins lead the majors, was tabbed as the starter last year, too. But the five-time All-Star was a late scratch and didn't even get in the game.

"It's no less an honor than it was the first time being at one of those games," said Schilling, who started the 1999 game in Boston. "It's a lot of fun. It's an honor and a privilege."

Lowe (12-4) made the All-Star game as a reliever in 2000. Put in the starting rotation this year, he's flourished, leading the AL with a 2.36 ERA.

"To be here starting an All-Star game is more than I could have anticipated," Lowe said.

The NL lineup announced Monday by Arizona manager Bob Brenly has Jose Vidro of the Expos batting leadoff and playing second, followed by Colorado's Todd Helton at first, San Francisco's Barry Bonds in left field, the Chicago Cubs' Sammy Sosa in right, Montreal's Vladimir Guerrero in center, the New York Mets' Mike Piazza at catcher, and Philadelphia's Scott Rolen at third base and Jimmy Rollins at shortstop.

With the game at Miller Park, an NL ballpark, Schilling will bat last.

The AL lineup put together by the Yankees' Joe Torre has Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki leading off and playing right field, followed by Boston's Shea Hillenbrand at third, Texas shortstop Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees' Jason Giambi at first, Boston's Manny Ramirez in left, the Yankees' Jorge Posada catching, Minnesota's Torii Hunter in center and another Yankee, Alfonso Soriano, at second. Lowe will bat last.

"My starting pitcher will go two innings," Torre said. "Which means if we have a good first or second inning, you're hitting, pal."